Old Soul

•

Channel • 3 Shows

Education

Education

Updated 8h ago
Books

Books

Updated 12/13/2022
Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship

Updated Semimonthly

Jun 17

The Why Behind the Work: How the Boys of EdTech Are Shaping K-12 from Every Angle

In this episode of the Boys of EdTech, the crew flips the script and takes a step back to answer a question they have never fully addressed: who are they, what do they actually do, and most importantly, why do they care so deeply about K-12 education? From former superintendents and operators to go-to-market leaders and relationship builders, each member shares their journey into edtech and the unique role they play in helping districts and companies work better together. The conversation highlights how success in K-12 is not about selling products. It is about understanding real problems, building trust, and creating meaningful impact for students. The episode also dives into personal stories that shaped their perspectives. From early nonprofit work supporting schools globally to growing edtech companies from scratch, to firsthand experiences navigating school systems as students. These stories ground the conversation in a shared mission: improving outcomes for students, especially those who need it most. If you have ever wondered what actually happens behind the scenes in edtech, or why relationships matter more than demos, this episode gives you an inside look at the people driving those conversations every day. Connect with the BoyzRick Fernandez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/ Matthew Millstein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-millstein/ Jacob Kantor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejacobkantor/ Ryan Patenaude: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanpatenaude/ Jeff Piontek: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffpiontek/ Key Moments 01:15 Supporting districts and edtech alignment 02:22 Translating complex solutions into clear value 03:49 Opening doors and driving meaningful conversations 04:11 Scaling EdTech companies and go-to-market strategy 05:50 Jeff Piontek’s background in education and leadership 07:10 Why education is the foundation of the future 07:58 Matthew’s nonprofit journey and impact on global education 09:17 Connecting EdTech solutions to real student outcomes 11:14 Supporting underserved student populations at scale 24:08 The mission to close equity and achievement gaps 48:04 Personal experiences shaping passion for education 50:22 Why relationships, not sales, drive success in K-12 Interested in joining the show? Fill out the form: https://forms.gle/SRVhzpXikBombee38

Jun 17

•

51 min
Jun 3

From “Hotmail for Schools” to Student Safety at Scale: The Evolution of EdTech with Gaggle’s Founder

In this episode of the Boys of EdTech, the crew is joined by Jeff Patterson, Founder and CEO of Gaggle, for a deep dive into the origins of student safety technology and how the edtech landscape has evolved over the past two decades. Jeff shares his entrepreneurial journey—from starting businesses as a child to building early edtech tools in the late 90s—and the pivotal moment that led to Gaggle’s creation. After a simple conversation with a teacher about the risks of student email, Jeff saw a clear gap in the market and built one of the first safe, school-controlled communication platforms. The conversation explores how edtech has shifted from basic tools to critical infrastructure for student safety, including monitoring communication, identifying risks, and supporting student well-being. The group also discusses the responsibility that comes with handling student data, the balance between innovation and protection, and why trust is everything in K-12. Along the way, the episode blends humor, real talk, and hard-earned lessons about building in education—where relationships, long-term value, and solving real problems matter far more than hype. Connect with the BoyzRick Fernandez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/Matthew Millstein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-millstein/Jacob Kantor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejacobkantor/Ryan Patenaude: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanpatenaude/Jeff Piontek: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffpiontek/ Key Moments01:28 Neighbor jokes and opening banter 02:50 Jacob’s “shoe shed” and personality moment 03:16 Jeff Patterson’s early days in edtech 04:02 Entrepreneurial journey and early failures 05:13 Discovering education as a market opportunity 06:26 The teacher conversation that sparked Gaggle 08:18 Why student email was a safety concern 11:34 Identifying the gap in school communication tools 16:22 Building the first version of Gaggle 17:18 “Hotmail for schools” concept explained 22:18 Evolution of edtech over time 29:44 Shifts in communication, safety, and responsibility Connect with GuestsJeff Patterson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffhpatterson Interested in joining the show? Fill out the form: https://forms.gle/SRVhzpXikBombee38

Jun 3

•

34 min
May 6

Outcomes Over Everything: Building Better EdTech Partnerships with District Leaders

In this episode of the Boys of EdTech, the crew is joined by Dr. Barbara Mullen, Superintendent of Rush-Henrietta Central School District, and Dr. Brittany Miller, leader of the Center for Outcomes-Based Contracting. Together, they unpack what it really takes to align edtech innovation with student success. Dr. Mullen shares her district’s “big rocks,” including facilities modernization, student wellness, and improving math and writing outcomes—grounded in a long-term strategic vision. She emphasizes the importance of infrastructure, data maturity, and thoughtful change management in driving meaningful progress. Dr. Miller dives deep into outcomes-based contracting (OBC), explaining how districts and providers can move beyond transactional relationships toward true partnerships focused on measurable student outcomes. She highlights how aligning pricing, implementation, and accountability creates stronger, more sustainable impact. The conversation challenges both districts and edtech providers to raise expectations, define impact clearly, and embrace accountability. From the realities of scaling innovation to the importance of rigorous measurement and change management, this episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about improving education systems. Connect with the BoyzRick Fernandez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/Matthew Millstein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-millstein/Jacob Kantor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejacobkantor/Ryan Patenaude: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanpatenaude/Jeff Piontek: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffpiontek/ Key Moments 06:58 Updating facilities for innovation 08:11 Upgrading facilities for climate readiness 12:13 Focusing on student-centered outcomes 14:33 Free open-source resources and research 20:19 Future-focused partnerships and data insights 21:56 Urgency in education strategy 26:44 Embracing outcomes-based contracts in EdTech 29:52 State investments in educational tech 31:32 Importance of all-inclusive pricing 35:07 Understanding competitive advantages in ed tech 38:17 Defining impact and engagement metrics 41:46 Discussing change management strategy 45:29 Challenges with agreed outcomes in construction 48:06 Challenges in implementing education assessments 51:26 Hesitancy around student learning metrics Connect with GuestsDr. Brittany Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-miller-phd-290a13b3Dr. Barbara Mullen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-a-mullen-ph-d-91bb4116 Interested in joining the show? Fill out the form: https://forms.gle/SRVhzpXikBombee38

May 6

•

56 min
Apr 27

Inside EdTech Networking: Lessons from ASU+GSV, AI Advances, and Building Lasting Partnerships

In this episode of the Boys of EdTech, the crew unpacks what’s actually happening on the ground—from AI overload and vendor noise to what truly cuts through when selling to school districts. The group breaks down why AI isn’t the differentiator anymore, how districts are thinking about build vs. buy decisions, and what vendors are getting wrong in their outreach. From cold email strategies that actually work to the importance of relationship-building over transactions, this episode is packed with real, tactical advice for edtech founders, sales teams, and anyone trying to navigate the K-12 space. They also explore what meaningful relationships look like in practice, how to stand out in a crowded market, and why understanding district priorities (down to contracts and funding plans) can make or break your success. If you're in edtech, business development, or district leadership, this episode delivers unfiltered perspectives from operators who are in the trenches every day. Connect with the BoyzRick Fernandez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/Matthew Millstein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-millstein/Jacob Kantor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejacobkantor/Ryan Patenaude: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanpatenaude/Jeff Piontek: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffpiontek/ Key Moments 04:03 Reflecting on conference interactions 07:54 Importance of Learning Efficacy Data 10:07 Casual networking event insights 15:56 Building authentic professional relationships 20:07 Networking strategies at events 22:20 Balancing work and family time 25:16 Tailoring pitches for different personas 30:45 Understanding school funding transparency 33:20 Evaluating client relationships 37:58 Choosing the right business partner 41:28 Allocating education funding strategically Interested in joining the show? Fill out the form: https://forms.gle/SRVhzpXikBombee38

Apr 27

•

45 min
8h ago

Creating Safe Spaces for Real Conversations in EdTech with Tiffany Law

In this episode of the Boys of EdTech, the crew is joined by Tiffany Law, COO of the Institute for Education Innovation (IEI), for a candid conversation on what it really takes to build meaningful connections between district leaders and edtech partners. Tiffany shares her unconventional journey into education, transitioning from a 27-year career in the restaurant industry to helping build IEI from the ground up. Along the way, she reflects on the lessons learned from stepping into a completely new space, embracing mistakes, and finding her footing in a fast-moving and often overwhelming edtech landscape. The conversation dives into what makes IEI different. Instead of traditional conferences, IEI creates intentional, closed-door environments where district leaders can speak openly about their challenges, learn from one another, and connect with partners in a way that feels authentic and pressure-free. The focus is not on flashy presentations or big budgets, but on real problems, real conversations, and real solutions. Tiffany also breaks down how IEI structures its events to level the playing field between large companies and smaller innovators, using curated matching, real-time feedback, and highly qualified one-on-one meetings to ensure that every interaction is meaningful. If you are in edtech or district leadership, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how trust, transparency, and thoughtful design can transform the way partnerships are built in K-12. Connect with the BoyzRick Fernandez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/ Matthew Millstein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-millstein/ Jacob Kantor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejacobkantor/ Ryan Patenaude: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanpatenaude/ Jeff Piontek: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffpiontek/ Key Moments 02:36 Transitioning from restaurants to education 03:36 Building IEI from the ground up 05:12 What makes IEI different from traditional events 07:47 Inside IEI event structure and formats 11:30 Why closed-door conversations matter 12:44 Creating safe spaces for district leaders 15:33 Connecting the right people through curated matching 18:28 How real-time feedback shapes conversations 22:44 Leveling the playing field between vendors 23:53 Why solutions matter more than budgets 28:23 How partners qualify and prioritize conversations Connect with GuestsTiffany Law: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-law-coo Interested in joining the show? Fill out the form: https://forms.gle/SRVhzpXikBombee38

8h ago

•

47 min
05/20/2022

007: Habits Makes You Weaker or Stronger - The Power Of Habits

Learning about the psychology of habits was a fascinating subject for us. If you're stuck in bad habits. Guess what? It's not 100% your fault. If you understand how habits are created, you understand how you can change them or replace them. In this episode, Matt & Imed discuss how habits can change your life or business for the worst or the best. SOCIAL 🌐Learn more about the show: https://www.btbpodcast.net/ 🎧Podcast: https://anchor.fm/beyond-the-book 📸Instagram: @beyondthebookpodcast MEET THE HOSTS Matt Millstein 💼LinkedIn: @Matthew-Millstein 🐦Twitter: @Podcasts4Profit Imed Djabi 📸Instagram: @ByImedDjabi 📸YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG_porfiGVlD3JREcRpFmhg

05/20/2022

•

53 min
Trailer

Welcome to Beyond the Book

Welcome to Beyond the Book We understand anyone who hates to read. We've been there, and we want to develop a world full of creative readers to help them transition from anti-readers to avid readers. It's always better late than never. Get started and implement actionable steps from the books we will discuss. Marketing, business, sales & negotiation, self-improvement, and any topic that can help us become better creatives. Together! Visit our website or connect on Instagram!

Trailer

•

2 min
03/09/2022

002: Start Without Being Ready (Pt. 2 of 2) - Steal Like An Artist

Are you waiting to be "ready" to start something? Guess what. You'll never be ready—your life will change from the moment you understand that. In this episode, we follow the discussion on the book Steal Like An Artist. In this part, we enumerate actionable steps you can implement right away to help you start whatever you did put on the side for days, weeks, or maybe months. SUMMARY & BOOK NOTES Notes Available On Notion: https://bit.ly/3pwAc18 SOCIAL 🌐Learn more about the show: https://www.btbpodcast.net/ 🎧Podcast: https://anchor.fm/beyond-the-book 📸Instagram: @beyondthebookpodcast MEET THE HOSTS Matt Millstein 💼LinkedIn: @Matthew-Millstein 🐦Twitter: @Podcasts4Profit Imed Djabi 📸Instagram: @ByImedDjabi 📸YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG_porfiGVlD3JREcRpFmhg

03/09/2022

•

28 min
04/07/2022

005: Your life is defined by your choices - The Compound Effect

Do you regret the choices you made in your past? In this episode, we discuss different aspects of life: Habits, choices, and influences which can all affect you differently. Are you on the positive or negative side of it? Learn the power of the compound effect and how small steps can help you achieve tremendous results in your personal and business life. SOCIAL 🌐Learn more about the show: https://www.btbpodcast.net/ 🎧Podcast: https://anchor.fm/beyond-the-book 📸Instagram: @beyondthebookpodcast MEET THE HOSTS Matt Millstein 💼LinkedIn: @Matthew-Millstein 🐦Twitter: @Podcasts4Profit Imed Djabi 📸Instagram: @ByImedDjabi 📸YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG_porfiGVlD3JREcRpFmhg

04/07/2022

•

56 min
06/18/2022

009: The Power Of Storytelling - Building A StoryBrand

Most of you who have a website has the same problem. You aren't clear on what you're offering and how you can help your visitors. If I can't understand what you are selling and how you can help me in less than 3 seconds. You lost me! With the Storybrand framework, you will clarify your message so customers will listen. Use the 7 Elements of Great Storytelling to Grow Your Business. Purchase the book: https://amzn.to/3O6oftb Disclaimer: We may receive a commission via the Amazon Associates Program when you purchase via our link. There is no cost for you! Let's call it a win-win. SOCIAL 🌐Learn more about the show: https://www.btbpodcast.net/ 🎧Podcast: https://anchor.fm/beyond-the-book 📸Instagram: @beyondthebookpodcast MEET THE HOSTS Matt Millstein 💼LinkedIn: @Matthew-Millstein 🐦Twitter: @Podcasts4Profit Imed Djabi 📸Instagram: @ByImedDjabi 📸YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG_porfiGVlD3JREcRpFmhg

06/18/2022

•

32 min

Old Soul is a full-service B2B podcast production agency that helps brands harness the power of audio and video content. From show development and guest acquisition to episode production, distribution, and marketing. Old Soul manages every step of the podcasting journey. Our shows spotlight thought leaders, executives, and industry experts across sectors like finance, education, healthcare, and technology, turning conversations into engines for brand growth and audience engagement.

Website

Old Soul

Top Shows

The Why Behind the Work: How the Boys of EdTech Are Shaping K-12 from Every Angle

From “Hotmail for Schools” to Student Safety at Scale: The Evolution of EdTech with Gaggle’s Founder

Outcomes Over Everything: Building Better EdTech Partnerships with District Leaders

Inside EdTech Networking: Lessons from ASU+GSV, AI Advances, and Building Lasting Partnerships

Creating Safe Spaces for Real Conversations in EdTech with Tiffany Law

007: Habits Makes You Weaker or Stronger - The Power Of Habits

Welcome to Beyond the Book

002: Start Without Being Ready (Pt. 2 of 2) - Steal Like An Artist

005: Your life is defined by your choices - The Compound Effect

009: The Power Of Storytelling - Building A StoryBrand

About

Old Soul

Top Shows

Top Episodes

About